K-pop group TOMORROW x TOGETHER successfully wrapped up one chapter in their coming-of-age story with The Chaos Chapter series. Now the quintet is back with a refreshing new chapter beginning with The Name Chapter: Temptation. Employing the ideas of temptation, attraction and growing up, TXT speaks about the temptations of growing up but also wanting to remain in the present. The group never fails to amaze with their refreshing takes on music and symbolism in the lyrics. The five-track EP was released on January 27, 2023, and featured contributions by the members interwoven throughout the tracks.
The first track in the album ‘Devil by the Window’ is a groovy number featuring stretched synth beats and details the tryst of the protagonist as they deal with a newfound temptation – “I met the devil by the window / Traded my life / Temptation touched my tongue / Spread the wings of desire.” The devil and the desire are things often spoken of in the same breath and painted vividly in stories. So, it just makes sense that the quintet took to a fairytale-like narration to express their emotions.
The next track ‘Sugar Rush Ride’ is laced with all things sweet and saccharine. The song incorporates a section of Chunhyangga, one of the five surviving pansori of South Korea, in the chorus. The refrain is a rambunctious burst of energy that transports the listener to a high-octane trance as they sing “This daze-like anaemia / But I prefer it that way / Every cell under my skin / Becomes more sensitive”. The juxtaposition of R&B and traditional Korean instruments work out brilliantly in this track.
The third track, ‘Happy Fools’, features Coi Leray, which has trap and hip hop beats and does a fine job of alliterating the laid-back and innocent lyrics, “TXT and Coi Leray / Get it poppin’ like balloons / We gon’ party every day/Living like some happy fools / Doing what we wanna do.” One of the best collaborations between a western and Korean artists in a long time. There is no worry about tomorrow and only care for the present. Like a happy-go-lucky individual who is happy being ignorant and worry-free, TXT sings about the temptation to live life similarly. All five members contributed to the lyrics of ‘Happy Fools’.
The fourth track ‘Tinnotus (Wanna Be A Rock)’ is quite a surprise. We see Afrobeats and kalimba employed to express the inclination to not just be a rock lying around the rock. It also hints at the pressures of growing up and the subsequent wish to forego the responsibilities that come with it. There is a sense of resignation shrouded in playful music as the group croons “My twinkling dream / It’s been long since it faded away / Waiting for every second / I want to become a rock.” TAEHYUN and YEONJUn participated in the songwriting.
The album comes to a stunning conclusion with ‘Farewell, Neverland’. Peter Pan has been one of the most referred-to fictional characters in the TXT universe. The quintet once again gives a nod to the unchanging Neverland in this concluding track as they sing “Every day is warm, every day is the same season /Boys don’t grow up / A kiss from the sun that never sleeps / No one can see the stars.” After having been through the motions of not wanting to grow up and wanting to stay in the present, the quintet finally opened their eyes to the Sisyphus’ curse like living in the Neverland where nothing ever changes. The cinematic track employs ample Latin guitar riffs and percussions throughout the track to accentuate the grand conclusion to their dilemma. YEONJUN contributed to the lyrics of this track.
In conclusion, TXT has once again tapped into the obscure yet blatantly present emotions in any grown adult. How often have we felt that the present is the best time to be and wished to not grow up or pass that age? TXT articulates the inner workings of one’s mind with flawless ease. As individuals who are themselves going through a phase of change, TXT identifies the notions in a matured nuance but still maintains the childlike innocence. By incorporating lore in their universe with introspective lyrics, TXT delivers a strong and cohesive album with solid crossover collaborations and clever storytelling. Indeed, this new chapters leaves a lot of temptations about what’s to come next in their musical universe.
